AL FRESCO BOOZIN’

CENTRAL

Spanish & Japanese | Ba-Bou | NR

This chic rooftop (or rooftops shall I say – they have x2) pulls in a diverse crowd as it’s just off Oxford Street. The food is very average, so it’s more of a drinking spot but should you get peckish, they do have snacks available. Each terrace can hold up to 100 ppl.

TYPE Rooftop

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: The Rooftop Guide

Cocktail Bar | Ba-Bou | RR

I love this tiny cocktail bar by Tony Conigliaro as it’s so relaxed yet chic with big windows which open out onto bustling Old Compton St – bringing in welcome breeze in the summer months; you can make reservations, so make sure to request these spots when you do.

This famous Italian spot has a grand layout (owned by the Caprice Group unsurprisingly) with a few seats outside where you can dine, drink and watch the Mayfair passers-by.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Cecconis

EAST

Mediterranean | Ba-Bou | NR | £££

I’ve only ever dined in the main restaurant inside The Boundary but it has a famed rooftop which is really pretty – strangely I’ve never made it up here to eat. Need to change that asap. There’s a proper dining area and a drinks bit; you can book to eat but not to drink.

TYPE Rooftop

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: The Telegraph

Pizzas | Basic | W&R | £

Tried most of their pizzas which are all pretty rad – don’t go expecting any kind of service. It’s a pub / bar that just happens to serve pizzas. Come summer, it gets incredibly packed outside, so if you hate crowds, then this ain’t your spot. Mixed bag of hipsters and tourists.

TYPE Wide Open Space

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Crate London

Pub | Basic | W&R?

This chilled Clapton pub has got a bit of a Victorian feel about. In the back you’ll find a fab beer garden to while aways those summer days and nights – basic pub food, so stick to a bowl of chips vs a proper meal.

TYPE Beer Garden

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: The Crooked Billet

Varies | Basic | NR | £

I first went here a number of years ago when my good friend used to host film screenings on the rooftop. They hold regular events here, usually have a food pop-up and a bar so check out what’s on via their social media pages before heading down. You have to pay a one off £5 entry and ‘become a friend’ on their website to gain entry. Open from May and from 5pm onwards usually.

TYPE Rooftop

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Various | Basic | NR | £

This covered street food market by Street Feast has a rooftop bit where you can eat, drink and be merry. Sometimes you have to pay a cover charge, so just check their website / Facebook before you head down.

TYPE Food Market | Rooftop

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Keatons

British | Ba-Bou | RR | £££

This Michelin Pub of The Year 2017 is about 8 mins walk from Hoxton station and is possibly my favourite rooftop in London – intimate, casual and pretty. Best for 1 on 1 catch ups as it’s not a massive space. They may ask you to order a snack – get the superb beef + barley buns.

Really like this casual cocktail spot in Dalston with rotating food pop ups. They’ve got a few seats on the kerb where you can eat + drink to your hearts content.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Pamela

WEST

Terrace | Basic | RR | £££

Located off High St Ken on a residential road, this gastropub serves up good Modern Euro fare in a cosy chic space. The indoor space is split into a drinking den and a more formal dining area. Outside, there are a few tables facing the road where you can imbibe and munch away.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Unknown

American | Ba-Bou | NR

Good bar snacks & excellent drinks coming out of André Balazs celeb haunt. I haven’t tried the main fare so can only recommend the snacks – the chicken sticks are fab, FYI. There’s a lovely large outdoor terrace that’s perfect for a hot summer’s day.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Snacks + Drinks

Image Credit: Country & Town House

‘Global’ | Ba-Bou | W&R | £££

This restaurant by Stevie Parle decked out by Tom Dixon serves up food inspired by flavours from all around the globe. They have a massive terrace where you can chill with a glass of vino and some food when the sun’s blazin’.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: The Resident

Various | Ba-Bou | RR | £

I hardly ever suggest places I haven’t visited but I’ll make an exception as a) I’ve been to the space before but not as Pergola On The Roof b) it’s got food stalls my mouth trusts like Breddos Tacos and x2 bars. Oh and the folks here had the good sense to open up a sister site in culinary wasteland Paddington.

The food is decent but it’s the big ass terrace that draws you, in come summer. Located in Little Venice area, it’s got a pretty laid back vibe too it even when it gets busy on the terrace.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: This Is Paddington

SOUTH

Portuguese | Ba-Bou | RR | ££

This little slice of Portugal smack bang in London Bridge has a small space outside it reserves mostly for diners but there are a few barrels I believe you can perch at and drink with no obligation to order food.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Bar Douro

International | Ba-Bou | W&R

Nice bright refined venue. They’ve got big windows which they swing open when the sun decides to treat us to some heat. However, the food is somewhat mediocre food, so best for drinks but you’ll probs need to get some nibbles to justify your seat.

TYPE Big Windows

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: Eet

Outdoor | Ba-Bou | NR | ££

This Chelsea mainstay has a wonderfully buzzy terrace and really comes into its own during the summer especially during Wimbledon when they always put on some display. You will have to queue, so try and get there early. You can eat, drink or do both. Food is decent.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Breakfast London

Seasonal | Ba-Bou | W&R

This cool antique, modern mash up space is very lovely to look at. I had some bar food here yonks ago but wasn’t that impressed. If in the area though, I’d deffo give it a whirl again. It’s got quite a large terrace out front.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: This Is Funky

Modern Euro | Basic | NR

The restaurant at The Young Vic is a destination in itself. If you’re going to the theatre definitely eat here and if you’re in the area it’s worth checking out. There’s a bar upstairs with a rooftop terrace – I think it’s drinks only but if you ask nicely they may let you eat here.

TYPE Rooftop

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: The Cut

Street Food | Basic | NR | £

This hip street market has lots of outdoor areas you can pitch up at. Have a wonder round the food stalls inside, grab some booze and then head back outside again. There are also stand alone restaurants like Bar Douro where you can dine outside – best to book in advance.

TYPE Food Market

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Flat Iron Square

Various | Basic | NR | £

This small street food market, an offshoot of Borough Market is always rammed and hectic come the weekend but I still really like it. If you get here early enough you can grab one of the outdoor seating areas but you’ll need to buy booze / food from the stall owners that operate it.

This gastro pub serves up good pizzas and if you want to perch you little butty outdoors then you’re in luck as they have a small outdoor seating area which is more suitable for drinking than eating.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Country & Town House

French | Ba-Bou | W&R | £££

Restaurant by the Casse-Croûte lot. You won’t find it unless you go searching. Randomly located next to tennis courts & children’s playground is this very chic restaurant with a small outdoor space for eating / drinking (post a tennis rally if you’re feeling energetic). The moelleux is wondrous – try it

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Food + Drinks

NORTH

Pub Grub | Basic | NR | £

This gentrified pub has a small beer garden out back and if you get the munchies, try the cheesy chips with beef brisket if it’s on the menu – you won’t be disappointed, though your waistline may object.

TYPE Beer Garden

GO FOR Snacks + Drinks

Image Credit: Earl Of Essex

Pop-Ups | Basic | NR | £

This is from the same guys behind Pamela in Dalston. It’s a bar, brewery and a club in Seven Sisters. It’s also got a massive courtyard where you can knock back the old G&T they have on tap (actually delicious, coming from someone who ain’t a massive fan of premixed drinks). Only been here at night, so not sure how buzzy it is in the day. Full of trendies.

TYPE Wide Open Space

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: Matt The List

German | Ba-Bou | W&R | £££

This decadent Grand Cafe restaurant opposite King’s Cross station has a terrace. Food is OK – you go for the looks really. So, whilst it’s really more of a dining spot than a drinking den, I doubt they’ll shoo you away.

TYPE Terrace

GO FOR Snacks + Drinks

Image Credit: Luxury London

Seasonal | Ba-Bou | W&R | ££

I went here a few years ago and had a foul cocktail and it put me off for the longest time. Then I went again fairly recently for a party and the snacks and cocktails were bang on and I noticed they had a lovely courtyard out back. I’d like to return again for a proper meal / drinks.

TYPE Courtyard

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Try This For

Pub Fare | Basic | NR | £

Gastro pub in Hampstead with large beer garden. Went to here for a friend’s birthday a few years ago. Lovely outdoor beer garden – excellent for the summer months. Didn’t try the food but would definitely go back for a drink if in the area You can book for groups of x8 or more people.

TYPE Beer Garden

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: LOTI

British | Ba-Bou | W&R | ££

Hip neighbourhood bar/bistro in Kensal Rise, food is a little hit and miss. There’s a lovely raised outdoor space where you can eat and or drink. I also think they have a wee beer garden in the back but I’ve never been!